Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Seattle, WA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

Dallas is 99% cheaper than Seattle.

$1,403/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↑ 42%
$67,760/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↑ 80%
$295,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$912,100 ↑ 209%
$1,409/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↑ 58%
1,299,553
Population
741,440

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $54,224/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Seattle — common questions

Is Dallas or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Seattle?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Seattle?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $54,224/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Seattle has a cost index of 196 with rent of $1,998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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